Premier League transfers: Chelsea have swooped to agree a deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, who had previously been linked to Newcastle United.
Marco Palestra is set to be heading to the Premier League with Chelsea, reaching a verbal agreement with the Italy international and Atalanta over a £47.4million move.
Newcastle United were tentatively linked with a move for the 21-year-old right-back as they look for reinforcements in that area following the departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth. There is also uncertainty over Tino Livramento, who withdrew from England’s World Cup squad due to injury.
The right-back position is a priority for Newcastle this summer, but any interest in Palestra was played down amid interest from Inter Milan and Chelsea.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted earlier this month: “Marco Palestra to Newcastle not expected to happen despite interest and availability to pay what Atalanta requested. The player has not opened doors to the move while Inter remain in talks for €45m [£39m] package, still not enough for Atalanta.”
But as Inter looked to agree a deal, Chelsea swooped in to hijack the move and agree a deal to sign the young defender on a ‘long-term deal’.
Romano added to the narrative on Wednesday by stating: “BREAKING: Marco Palestra to Chelsea, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties. Atalanta to receive package over €55m [£47.4m] fee plus sell-on clause, long-term deal to Italian talented RWB. Chelsea hijack Inter move and get new talent for Xabi Alonso.”
Newcastle have agreed one incoming signing so far this summer with 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen joining from Stade de Reims earlier this month. The club also felt they were close to signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna only for Liverpool to gazump them and agree a deal instead.
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